Tattoo aftercare
All my tattoos are wrapped properly, either with high-quality self-adhesive tattoo film or with liquid plaster, and you get a tube of tattoo cream for aftercare from me. I've written down here step by step what happens next, so you can read it in peace.
Healing has a big say in how your tattoo looks in ten years. But with a few rules it's no big deal.
The first 24 hours
- The film or liquid plaster stays on exactly as long as we agreed at the appointment. Please don't take it off earlier, even if it looks strange underneath.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before every contact with the tattoo.
- Then gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, pH-neutral wash lotion.
- Pat the area dry with clean kitchen paper and never rub. Towels are off limits from now on, because germs live in them.
- Apply the tattoo cream you got from me in a very thin layer. The skin needs to be able to breathe underneath.
Days 2 to 7
- Wash the tattoo and apply a thin layer of cream two to three times a day. Too much cream only softens the skin unnecessarily.
- During this time the tattoo may weep a little, feel tight and feel warm. That's completely normal and wears off.
- A fine scab forms. Please don't pick it off or scratch it, otherwise light patches appear later.
- Wear loose, clean cotton clothing that doesn't rub on the area.
Weeks 2 to 4
- The skin now peels like after a sunburn and itches. Tap the area instead of scratching.
- In this phase the tattoo often looks dull or milky. That's normal too and goes away by itself.
- Keep applying cream whenever the skin looks dry.
After that, for life
- Sunscreen with a high SPF, ideally SPF 50, keeps your lines sharp and the colours strong.
- Cared-for, well-moisturised skin makes every tattoo look better, even years later.
- After four to six weeks the surface has healed. Then we'll look together to see if I should touch anything up.
What to avoid
- Sun and sunbeds
- Not at all for at least four weeks, after that only with sun protection.
- Swimming pool, lake and sea
- Not for four weeks, because germs, chlorine and salt have no business on a fresh wound.
- Sauna, steam room and baths
- Also four weeks. A short shower, on the other hand, is fine from day one.
- Tight or rubbing clothes
- In the first two weeks, especially jeans, belts and backpack straps on the area.
- Sport with friction or lots of sweat
- You should skip it in the first week.
- Scratching and picking scabs
- During the whole healing process, otherwise light patches appear that I have to touch up later.
When to get in touch
Redness, slight swelling and warmth in the first days are part of healing. Get in touch with me if it gets worse instead of better after the third day, if pus comes out or if red streaks form.
If you have a fever or severe pain, please go straight to a doctor, I'm the wrong person for that. For all other questions about healing, just send me a quick photo on WhatsApp and I'll take a look.
Ready for the next one?
Just get in touch with the design you have in mind or your ideas, ideally with a reference picture. We can sort out a lot calmly on WhatsApp, and of course you can also call. You'll get an honest assessment from me and a suggested date.